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Key Facts: PSEB Matric Music Tabla Exam

32

PSEB Matric Music (Tabla) subject code

Punjab School Education Board Scheme of Studies Class X

45 + 50 + 5

Theory + Practical + INA marks (total 100)

PSEB Scheme of Studies — Music (Tabla) code 32

33%

Minimum pass separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and in aggregate

PSEB Scheme of Studies pass rules

Teen Tal · Jhaptal · Ektal

Prescribed Class 10 theory/practical talas with ekgun and dugun

PSEB Class 10 Music Tabla syllabus Part-B

Mian Qadir Baksh · Bahadur Singh

Prescribed tabla biography figures (Punjab school)

PSEB Class 10 Music Tabla written syllabus

MCQ study aid

This bank adapts Tabla theory to four-option MCQs; official subject is mixed theory plus heavy practical

OpenExamPrep assessment-format policy for non-pure-MCQ boards

PSEB Matric Music Tabla (code 32) is Punjab’s Class 10 Tabla elective: Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 5 = 100. Pass at least 33% in each component and in aggregate. Syllabus: grah/sam definitions, kayda–tukda forms, Teen Tal/Jhaptal/Ektal, tuning, tabla–pakhawaj history, Paluskar vs Bhatkhande lipi, Mian Qadir Baksh and Bahadur Singh. Fee as per PSEB notification. This site offers free English MCQ theory practice with explanations—not a full mixed-paper or practical simulation.

Sample PSEB Matric Music Tabla Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the PSEB Matric Music Tabla exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1In Hindustani music theory, what does the term taal (tala) primarily refer to?
A.A cyclic framework of beats that organises rhythm in time
B.A melodic scale framework used to classify ragas
C.A fixed pitch reference used only to tune the dayan
D.A single unpitched stroke played only on the bayan
Explanation: Taal is the cyclic rhythmic framework of Hindustani music: a fixed number of matras arranged in vibhags that repeats in avartans. Melody is organised by raga, not taal.
2In a tala cycle, which beat is called the sam?
A.The last beat of every vibhag
B.The first and principal beat of the tala cycle, where phrases typically resolve
C.The unaccented empty beat shown only by a wave of the hand
D.Any beat where the bayan is played alone
Explanation: Sam is the first and most important beat of a tala cycle. Compositions and cadences (including tihai) are designed to land on sam, which is shown with a strong clap in hand-recitation (padhant).
3What does khali (khaali) indicate in the structure of a tala?
A.The fastest possible tempo permitted for that tala
B.The black tuning paste applied to the tabla head
C.An empty or unaccented division, usually marked by a wave of the hand rather than a clap
D.A mandatory double-speed section of every theka
Explanation: Khali means “empty.” It marks a relatively unaccented vibhag of the tala, shown in clapping with a wave of the hand. It is a structural marker, not a tempo or instrument part.
4In tala theory, a vibhag is best described as:
A.The complete multi-cycle performance of a kayda
B.A decorative bol used only in rela compositions
C.The metal shell of the bayan drum
D.A section or division of the tala cycle grouping several matras
Explanation: Vibhag is a division of the tala that groups matras (for example, four matras per vibhag in Teen Tal). Claps (tali) and waves (khali) mark vibhag boundaries and help performers keep the cycle.
5What is a matra in Hindustani rhythmic theory?
A.The basic unit beat that makes up a tala cycle
B.A three-fold cadential phrase ending on sam
C.A South Indian equivalent of a raga
D.The leather braid that holds the pudi on the shell
Explanation: Matra is the fundamental beat unit. A tala’s length is stated as a number of matras (for example, Ektal has 12 matras; Teen Tal has 16).
6What is an avartan (avritti) in tala?
A.One complete cycle of the tala from sam back to the next sam
B.Only the khali vibhag of Teen Tal
C.The wooden dowels used for fine tuning
D.A kayda theme without any palta
Explanation: An avartan is one full cycle of the tala. Counting returns to sam at the start of each new avartan; compositions are often measured in whole or partial avartans.
7In PSEB Class 10 Music Tabla theory, grah (graha) refers to:
A.The point relative to sam where a composition or phrase begins
B.The metal hammer used only for bayan tuning
C.The name of the left-hand drum alone
D.A fixed 8-matra folk tala
Explanation: Grah (graha) describes how a composition starts relative to sam. Class 10 definitions emphasise sam with visham grah, atit grah, and anagat grah as types of starting/landing relationships to sam.
8What is visham grah (vishama graha)?
A.Starting a composition exactly on sam
B.Starting a composition off sam (not coinciding with sam)
C.Playing only open bayan strokes
D.Writing tala in Western staff notation only
Explanation: Visham grah means the composition does not begin on sam. Within visham grah, atit and anagat describe whether the start is after or before sam.
9Atit grah (ateet graha) means a phrase or composition:
A.Starts or is calculated after the sam
B.Must always be played in chaugun only
C.Uses only closed (band) bols on the dayan
D.Is identical to nagma/lehra
Explanation: Atit grah refers to a start (or landing design) after the sam. It is one form of visham grah, contrasting with anagat (before sam) and sama grah (on sam).
10Anagat grah (anagata graha) means a phrase or composition:
A.Starts or is calculated before the sam
B.Is always three matras long
C.Can only appear in Kaharwa
D.Is the name of the black paste on the pudi
Explanation: Anagat grah means the composition approaches or starts before sam. Together with atit and sama grah, it is part of the Class 10 grah definitions linked to sam.

About the PSEB Matric Music Tabla Exam

The Punjab PSEB Matric Music Tabla examination is the Class 10 Music (Tabla) elective paper (subject code 32) conducted by the Punjab School Education Board. Full marks are 100 (Theory 45 + Practical 50 + Internal Assessment 5). Theory covers advanced tala vocabulary including sam and grah types (visham, atit, anagat), kayda, palta, nagma, and uthan; rules for tuning tabla; short history of tabla and pakhawaj; the importance of laya; how tala relates to vocal music, instrumental music, and dance; comparison of Paluskar and Bhatkhande tala notation systems; biographies of Ustad Mian Qadir Baksh and Ustad Bahadur Singh; and detailed work on Teen Tal, Jhaptal, and Ektal with ekgun/dugun and composition notation. Practical work emphasises bols, layakari, kayda/tukda/paran performance, padhant, and accompaniment. The official theory paper is mixed written format, not pure multiple-choice, and practical carries half the subject marks. The 100 questions on this page are an English-language multiple-choice study adaptation for theory concept drills and self-assessment — not a performance test.

Exam sponsor: Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

Official: Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 5 = 100 marks, subject code 32. Theory (written syllabus): definitions of sam (with visham grah, atit grah, anagat grah), kayda, palta, nagma, uthan; rules of tabla saaz milana (tuning); short history of tabla and pakhawaj; importance of laya; comparison of tala’s role with gayan, vadan, and nritya; comparison of Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and Bhatkhande tala notation systems; biographies of Ustad Mian Qadir Baksh and Ustad Bahadur Singh; Part-B recognition and ekgun/dugun notation of Teen Tal, Jhaptal, and Ektal; notation of uthan, kayda, palta, tihai, and tukda material. Practical: play Teen Tal, Jhaptal, Ektal with ekgun and dugun; one uthan, two kaydas with paltas and tihais, two tukdas, one paran; vilambit playing; padhant; sangat with gayan/vadan. Local bank: English MCQ theory study adaptation with explanations — not a full mixed-paper or practical simulation.

Time Limit

As notified on the PSEB Matric date sheet for Music (Tabla) theory; practical held separately

Passing Score

At least 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and at least 33% in aggregate (PSEB Scheme of Studies; confirm current circular)

Exam / Certification Fees

As per PSEB annual examination fee notification (school/private candidate forms on pseb.ac.in)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: Overall Matric pass percentages are published with each PSEB result; no fixed standing subject-wise Music Tabla pass-rate figure is used here.. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

18%

Tala Definitions & Grah

Sam, khali, tali, matra, vibhag, avartan, theka, tihai, and grah types (visham, atit, anagat) — core written definitions.

28%

Prescribed Talas (Teen Tal, Jhaptal, Ektal)

Structure, theka recognition, ekgun/dugun, padhant, and vilambit context for the three Class 10 prescribed talas.

18%

Bols, Kayda, Tukda & Forms

Bols/varnas, kayda, palta, uthan, nagma, tukda, rela, paran, and related solo forms as MCQ theory.

12%

Instrument Structure & Tuning

Dayan/bayan parts, syahi, gatta, gajra, pudi, posture, saaz milana, and tabla vs pakhawaj.

10%

History & Biographies

Short history of tabla and pakhawaj; prescribed sketches of Ustad Mian Qadir Baksh and Ustad Bahadur Singh.

14%

Notation, Laya & Accompaniment

Paluskar vs Bhatkhande tala lipi, importance of laya, tala with gayan/vadan/nritya, lehra, and scheme awareness. Practical is 50 marks officially and is not simulated by this MCQ bank.

Preparing for the PSEB Matric Music Tabla Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: At least 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and at least 33% in aggregate (PSEB Scheme of Studies; confirm current circular)
  • Assessment: Official: Theory 45 + Practical 50 + INA 5 = 100 marks, subject code 32. Theory (written syllabus): definitions of sam (with visham grah, atit grah, anagat grah), kayda, palta, nagma, uthan; rules of tabla saaz milana (tuning); short history of tabla and pakhawaj; importance of laya; comparison of tala’s role with gayan, vadan, and nritya; comparison of Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and Bhatkhande tala notation systems; biographies of Ustad Mian Qadir Baksh and Ustad Bahadur Singh; Part-B recognition and ekgun/dugun notation of Teen Tal, Jhaptal, and Ektal; notation of uthan, kayda, palta, tihai, and tukda material. Practical: play Teen Tal, Jhaptal, Ektal with ekgun and dugun; one uthan, two kaydas with paltas and tihais, two tukdas, one paran; vilambit playing; padhant; sangat with gayan/vadan. Local bank: English MCQ theory study adaptation with explanations — not a full mixed-paper or practical simulation.
  • Time limit: As notified on the PSEB Matric date sheet for Music (Tabla) theory; practical held separately
  • Exam / certification fees: As per PSEB annual examination fee notification (school/private candidate forms on pseb.ac.in) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

PSEB Matric Music Tabla: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorise grah types with sam: sama grah (on sam), visham grah (off sam), atit (after sam), anagat (before sam) as one-line definitions for short answers.
2Write thekas of Teen Tal (16), Jhaptal (10), and Ektal (12) in ekgun and dugun daily; clap and recite padhant before you play so theory and practical reinforce each other.
3Label a Tabla diagram (dayan, bayan, pudi, syahi, gajra, gatta, kinar) and practise describing saaz milana steps in 3–4 sentences.
4Prepare concise biographies of Ustad Mian Qadir Baksh and Ustad Bahadur Singh (Punjab school association, contributions) and a short comparison of Paluskar vs Bhatkhande tala lipi marks for sam/tali/khali.
5After MCQ revision, complete written theory answers under time pressure and schedule regular practical practice — MCQs alone cannot replace the 50-mark practical component.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the official PSEB Matric Music Tabla exam multiple-choice?

No. The official PSEB Class 10 Music (Tabla) code 32 assessment is Theory 45 marks (mixed written), Practical 50 marks, and Internal Assessment 5 marks. The 100 questions on this page are an English-language MCQ study adaptation for theory concepts only — they are not a full simulation of the official theory paper or the practical exam.

What is the full marks split for PSEB Music Tabla code 32?

Full marks are 100: Theory 45 + Practical 50 + Internal Assessment (INA) 5, as listed in the PSEB Scheme of Studies for Music (Tabla) subject code 32. Confirm the exact timetable on pseb.ac.in for your examination year.

What is the passing score for PSEB Matric Music Tabla?

Under the official Scheme of Studies language, candidates must secure at least 33% separately in Theory, Practical, and INA, and at least 33% in aggregate. Verify the latest Board regulations and circulars for your session on pseb.ac.in.

Which topics does PSEB Class 10 Music Tabla theory cover?

Per the PSEB Music Tabla syllabus: definitions of sam (including visham, atit, and anagat grah), kayda, palta, nagma, and uthan; rules of tabla tuning (saaz milana); short history of tabla and pakhawaj; importance of laya; tala’s relation to gayan, vadan, and nritya; comparison of Vishnu Digambar Paluskar and Bhatkhande tala notation systems; biographies of Ustad Mian Qadir Baksh and Ustad Bahadur Singh; and Part-B work on Teen Tal, Jhaptal, and Ektal (recognition, ekgun/dugun notation, and composition lipi including uthan, kayda, palta, tihai, and tukda).

How much does the PSEB Matric Music Tabla exam cost?

Music Tabla is not separately priced as a standalone marketplace fee on this page. Pay as per the PSEB annual examination fee notification for school or private candidates through forms on pseb.ac.in. Do not rely on unofficial fixed rupee amounts.

How should I use this free MCQ bank for a mixed theory-plus-practical subject?

Use these MCQs for daily concept drills on definitions, prescribed talas, bols/forms, notation, instrument parts, history, and biographies. Also practise written short answers from PSEB-style model work and daily practical recitation and playing — MCQs build recognition, not hand technique or viva/padhant delivery.

Where can I find the official syllabus and scheme of studies?

Use the Punjab School Education Board portal at https://www.pseb.ac.in and the Class 10 Music Tabla syllabus PDFs published under PSEB’s static media/syllabus catalog (for example the official 10th Music Tabla syllabus PDF on static.pseb.ac.in). Always prefer the current year’s official PDFs over third-party summaries.